I was immediately drawn to the Vintage Violet color of the Vintage Matchstick Cords. These pants are such a pretty light purple color. I had an issue with the length, even at the “short” inseam of 30 inches. I finally found an alterations place that is good and inexpensive so I had these altered to go with flats. They are now perfect.
Que Bella Catchup
Here are a few OOTDs from last week. This first outfit I loved! I’ve had this belt for years and love it. It can be reversed so the multi-buckles are at the back. The skirt was so comfortable to wear and the weather was nice enough to be cozy but not too warm. Unfortunately, this skirt had a big issue. After I took it off, I noticed the seam where the waistband meets the skirt had come unraveled. There was at least a 5 inch hole in the skirt! The seam was stitched with the same merino wool it’s made out of and apparently any slight tugging or pulling on it made it come undone. I had to return it. If any of you have this skirt just be aware of the stitching. I don’t need anything falling apart for $128. And it’s too bad because I was eyeing the black skirt as well.
One of my favorite shirts from J Crew. I have it in the Almond color as well. It runs big so I was able to size to a small in this. The purple is gorgeous IRL. And of course, my Cece Ballet Flats don’t know what they’ve gotten themselves into. They will be my work-horse flats for most of the Fall and Winter. I’m glad I have multiples!
I wore this to a wedding shower on Saturday. The Bride-to-Be was gorgeous in a Shoshanna dress. My fashionable NYC prima wore the Nanette Lepore Cafe Sheath Dress (see on Chloe here) (LOVE!!!) for her engagement pictures. The Blouson Dress is a favorite dress style of mine. I have the lace in both colors as well as the stripe in black. The Royal Paisley does not disappoint. I was excited to see I have so many cardigan and sweater options for it, including this Jackie in Buttercup…perfect match!
No OOTDs so far for this week. Husband has been home ruining my daily groove but I’ll give him a pass. He’s been sick for 7!!! weeks and now has shingles. Poor hubby. Luckily I’ve had chicken pox and The Boy has been vaccinated for them. But there is no kissing going on ’round here right now. I’m too busy to be sick. Can you believe Thanksgiving is next week? I’m busy every weekend starting now but I love this time of year.
Have a Great evening! I’ll be back with more reviews this week from that crazy 25% off sale. I am certainly shopped out. Luckily I’m not into all the Black Friday shopping. I go, but only to be my mom’s chauffeur. I can do a curb-side drop-off and then find a parking spot in BFE and not have anyone complain about how far they have to walk. I also run packages back to the car so our hands are not full of bags. And now that I’m old enough and have my “own” money, I can go eat anytime I want. My brother and I would starve for hours begging to go eat while she was in a zone shopping. Of course, I’m exaggerating…only slightly. Those marathon shopping trips my mom took us on is probably why I like to shop alone. Fun times.
J Crew Fall 2011 New Arrivals
I scheduled an appointment with my Personal Shopper at my local J Crew Saturday morning. Doors opened an hour early so people could see the new arrivals and use their reward card. I think this was across all B&Ms. I spent 2 1/2 hours in there! This is a picture heavy post with shoes, accesories, skirts, dresses, sweaters, blazers and jeans.
Martina Patent Wedges, #50472, Bronzed Clay, Size 7
These are not online that I could find. My PS said they were going to be in a Tortoise color/pattern as well. These fit TTS and the wedge heel does taper a little but it is still manageable to walk in.
Biella High-Heel Loafers, #49158, Warm Taupe, Size 7
Also come in Warm Brown and Black Leather and Getaway Green and Antique Violet Satin
These also fit TTS. Even though the heel height is 4 1/4 inches the platform helps make it more manageable to walk in.
City Mini, #50305, Bright Dahlia, Sz 6
Perfect Shirt in Leopard, #48474, Golden Hickory, Sz 6
Jackie Cardigan, #29350, Dark Slate, Sz M
The skirt is a pull-on style and has an elastic waist. The Bright Dahlia/Berry color is my favorite of J Crew. I have the Lolli pants in this color that I love. I wasn’t a fan of the Leopard shirt online but I like it after seeing it IRL. I think more so than the No. 2 pencil skirt. I think the Jackie tones down the print some.
Gilded Tweed Mini, #50648, Sky Blue, Sz 8, $128
I don’t see this online and it may be in-store only. The material is not as substantial and I expected. It’s pretty thin for a tweed. I’m not sure if the pencil skirt will be the same or a little heavier in weight. For $20 more you’ll at least get 5-6 inches more material. I really didn’t like the fit or feel of this mini. This is at my natural waist and pulling it down didn’t help as it rode back up when I walked. The colors in it are pretty with gold threading throughout the skirt. It does have an exposed back zipper. From the picture online the pencil skirt does not.
Origami Mini in Damask, #47460, Blue Pesto, Sz 8
Silkspun Sweater, #47846, Dark Turquoise, Sz M
Tippi Sweater, #46725, Bright Dahlia, Sz M
The print and material on this is not too fancy that you can’t dress it down. I also think it would be good to experiment with pattern mixing, in the same shades. Both of the sweaters are 100% merino wool and very bright in color, which I love. They fit TTS, especially if you are wearing it over another shirt, like one of the Perfect Shirts.
No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Leopard, #47322, Golden Hickory, Sz 6
Chambray Tuxedo Tunic, #49553, White, Sz XS
Tippi Sweater, #46725, Bright Dahlia, Sz M
This is a really long skirt for me. I think even if I bought the Petite size I would have to alter it in length. I almost felt like it should have been a true “wiggle” skirt with tapering to the hem, just due to the length. The color was not as vibrant as it is online, which is what others have been saying. It is cotton and unlined, which is fine by me. I do like this skirt but I think I will stick to the Leopard accessories that I have.
The Chambray Tuxedo Tunic runs big. The XS was tight in my arms but the Small fit a lot better. I like the Tippi in BDA with the skirt and would probably pair this with black patent heels to finish off the look.
Darla Dress, #49258, Faded Black Steel, Sz 8
Miller Motorycycle Boot, #28676, Black, Sz 7
The cap-sleeves are elastic which I do not like personally. The pattern is a railroad stripe. It is lightweight, fitted in the top and has an exposed back zipper.
Ticking-Stripe Derby Dress, #42775, Muslin Caspian Night, Sz 6 (I think)
Multistrap Belt, #50840, English Saddle, Sz M
Cute dress and perfect for the rest of my summer (which may last well into October!). The bodice is not too fitted and the skirt portion is lined. The belt is great and unlike the Tri-Buckle Belt, it is leather all the way around. If you are still looking for the Tri-Buckle Belt my store had 3 or 4 but I’m not sure what sizes. I love mine and have worn it several times this summer.
Safari Dress, Sz 6
It was a bit snug in the arms for me but loose through the bodice and skirt so I would say this is TTS.
Scarf, #50277 (same as Leopard scarf), Dark Turquoise, $65
Skinny Leather Belt, #50822, Bright Cobalt
Darlington Satchel, #48895, Bright Indigo (review here)
“On the Prairie” – Plaid Bayou Tunic, #49905, Baltic Blue, Sz S
Jardin Skirt, #48698, Dark Pewter, Sz 6
Belt – Unknown
Miller Motorcycle Boots
If I was on the prairie I would wear this. The tunic is the same fit as the Chambray Tuxedo Tunic, it runs small and the Small fit me fine. I think the Jardin skirt runs TTS. I have it in the Rich Purple.
Heirloom Lace Pencil Skirt, #39548, Indigo, Sz 6
Perfect Shirt in Suckered Stripe, #47414, Blue Tide, Sz 6
Tippi Sweater, #46725 , Warm Mustard, Sz M
This skirt came in Black over the summer, which is what the link is to. This color is Indigo/Navy and was in my store as a New Arrival. I’m sure they will have this color online in the next roll-out. I like the preppy look of the top with the lace skirt. The skirt fits TTS as I usually wear a 6 in JC pencil skirts.
Tippi Sweater, #46725 , Heather Dark Grape, Sz M
Boy Shirt in Quincy Tartan, #49044, Emerald Green, Sz 6
Marching Mini, #47324, Roasted Nutmeg, Sz 8
I am trying to stay away from the button-down shirts as I have too many that I need to wear but this one was hard to not buy with its lovely blues and greens. The skirt was ok but I didn’t like the 6 buttons and the wrap-style. You are covered if the wind takes the flap but I’d rather not chance it. There was also a green color in my store that I failed to get a picture of.
Silkspun Sweater, #47846, Toasted Honey, Sz M
Perfect Shirt in Indigo Floral, #48473, Indigo, Sz 6
Cafe Capri in Wool, #49398, Camel, Sz 8
This shirt seems too busy for me by itself but the sweater seems to tone down the print pretty well. The pants I love. They fit well and TTS. The length is not a crop or capri for me (I’m 5’2″) but I don’t mind that at all. They are not too bad with heels either. My store only had camel and black right now but should be getting a few other colors in their next shipment. I am eyeing the navy as well.
Emmaleigh Dress in Super 120s, #24155, Black, Sz 6
This is a gorgeous dress. I tried on the 8 which fit a little better in the bust for me but overall I loved it. Now to just choose a color.
Here it is completely styled.
Jackie Cardigan, #29350, Saddle, Sz M
Silk Leopard Scarf, #50277
Biella High-Heel Loafers, #49158, Warm Taupe, Size 7
Rigby Saddle Bag, #48296, Flame
Chambray Shirtdress, #47875, Blissful Blue, Sz 6
Chino Vest, #22560, SPR, Sz S, $98
Overlap Grommet Belt, #44414, English Saddle, Sz S
The tunic was ok until I belted it, which then hiked up the skirt and made it shorter. The vest is cute but not my style.
Matchstick Jean, #50499, Starlight Wash, Sz 30S
I like the fit of these. They seem a little looser than last years which did not fit me at all. The “short” length is still long on me.
Classic Flare Jean, #51329, Jezebel Wash, Sz 30
These are a great fitting jean but as you can see I would have to take at least 5 inches off. I am wearing the Biella heels and cuffed the jean under. I’d get a pair for heels (3 inches) and a pair for flats.
Tippi Sweater, #46725, Bright Dahlia, Sz M
Schoolboy Blazer in Wool Flannel, #48682, Heather Caramel, Sz 6
I don’t have a blazer this color and I think I need one. With the mild winters we have I prefer layering and adding a blazer rather than a bulky coat.
Tippi Sweater in Leopard, #47351, Sz M
I’m not sure about this. I think it’s either the dark “stripe” down the center or the two “lighter” areas down the front sides that bother me.
Crystal Bar Locket Necklace, #51496
(Sorry for the blurred photo.)
Fishnet Necklace, #52686
Silk Blythe Blouse, #37871, Black
A great necklace to jazz up a black or navy cashmere tee. I’m not sure how well it would stay/lay on the sides after moving around though.
Whew! You still with me? I hope so. What do you think of the items above? Anything catch your eye? And I bet you’re wondering what I bought. With 100 degree whether it’s hard to imagine Fall weather or clothes. Of course, you know my biggest Fall purchase was the Darlington Satchel but I did get a few things I tried on. There were others I added to my wishlist after these try-ons.
I was happy I scheduled an appointment with my PS. She had everything I would have brought to the dressing room all ready and styled together. Even if you get one or two pieces I would say that if you have the time, make a personal shopping appointment. I was glad I did.